A group of rare ‘galaxy’ frogs have disappeared and are feared to have been killed after photographers reportedly destroyed their habitats.
The tiny star-speckled Melanobatrachus indicus is the only species in its family and lives under logs in the Keralan rainforest in southern India.Â
They are nicknamed ‘galaxy frogs’ thanks to the colourful spots on their skin.Â
Zoological researcher Rajkumar K P found seven of the rare species in 2020, but was unable to visit them due to the Covid pandemic.Â
But according to a report from the Zoological Society of London, when he returned, the frogs had disappeared and it appeared that their habitat had been destroyed.
‘The big beautiful fallen log that was there was completely broken and misplaced’, according to Mr Rajkumar’s report.Â
It also said that the surrounding vegetation had been trampled and that the frogs were nowhere to be seen.Â
Mr Rajkumar had originally suspected mongooses for damaging the frogs’ habitat, but later discovered that several nature photographers had been seen visiting the spot.Â
Rare ‘galaxy frogs’ are feared to have been killed after photographers destroyed their habitat to take pictures of them
Image shows how a log where the frogs lived appeared to have been turned overÂ
The amphibians are nicknamed ‘galaxy frogs’ due to the specks on their skinÂ
According to Mr Rajkumar’s trackers, the photographers had been turning over logs in their search for the species, which is classed as endangered.Â
When they found them, they would handle the amphibians for photos without wearing gloves, even though they are extremely delicate creatures.
Mr Rajkumar was told that at least two frogs had died after being picked up by photographers.Â
The researcher says he has been unable to find any living galaxy frogs after searching for months and has condemned the photographers for interfering with their natural habitats.
‘The forest department officers try to prevent these kinds of groups coming. But they use higher officials – politicians, high court judges, or something like that – to allow them to take photographs,’ he said.
‘I fell in love with these frogs after seeing them. You feel like they’re jet black in colour, but when you put them under light you can find all the stars – like galaxies on their bodies. It’s just magical.’
Speaking about nature photography, Mr Rajkumar said: ‘Done correctly, photography can be a huge asset to helping conservationists build our understanding of areas such as animal distribution or behaviour…However, irresponsible photography can turn this asset into a hazard.’
No bigger than 3cm, the galaxy frog is only found in some forests in India’s southern Western Ghats.Â
Researcher Rajkumar KP says least two frogs had died after being handled by photographers
The galaxy frog is only found in some forests in India’s southern Western Ghats. Pictured: A log where the frogs lived in the Keralan rainforestÂ
Their habitats have been threatened in recent by agricultural expansion and tourism.
Classed as critically endangered species, they were designated as the flagship species for Mathikettan Shola National Park to raise awareness for their protection.Â
Conservation efforts include 10-15 year management plans and a focus on the protection of their habitats.Â
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Rare ‘galaxy frogs’ are feared to have been killed after photographers destroyed their habitat to take pictures of them